Porcelain
Most durable · lowest maintenance
A fired, extremely hard tile that absorbs almost no water. It resists scratches, stains and moisture, needs no sealing, and comes in huge ranges — including convincing marble-effect looks.
Best for: High-traffic floors, kitchens, bathrooms, busy family homes, and outdoor areas (with a suitable finish).
Care: Wipe clean. No sealing required.
Travertine
Warm, natural, characterful
A natural stone with warm, earthy tones and a soft, organic surface. It's naturally porous (often filled and honed), giving a relaxed, timeless feel that manufactured tiles can't fully copy.
Best for: Feature walls, living areas, and pool/outdoor surrounds in a honed, non-slip finish.
Care: Seal it, and clean with pH-neutral products — avoid acidic cleaners.
Marble
Luxury statement · needs care
Natural stone prized for its dramatic veining and depth. It's softer and more porous than porcelain, so it rewards care — but nothing else delivers the same sense of luxury.
Best for: Feature floors and walls in lower-traffic, high-impact spaces where the look is worth the upkeep.
Care: Seal it; wipe spills quickly (acids like citrus can etch it); avoid harsh cleaners.
The quick answer
- Want the easiest, most durable option? Porcelain — including marble-effect looks that stay low-maintenance.
- Want natural warmth and character? Travertine, sealed and in the right finish for the space.
- Want maximum luxury and don't mind the upkeep? Marble, for statement floors and walls.
Common questions
Is porcelain better than marble?
For durability and easy care, yes — porcelain is harder, water-resistant and needs no sealing. But marble offers a natural luxury porcelain only imitates. Choose porcelain for busy or wet spaces, marble for statement areas you're happy to maintain.
Is travertine good for bathrooms?
It can be, in a honed (non-slip) finish and properly sealed. Because travertine is porous, many people choose porcelain for wet, high-use bathrooms for lower maintenance — and use travertine as a feature.
Which is best for Nigerian homes and weather?
For high-traffic, wet or low-maintenance needs, porcelain is the easiest all-rounder. For warmth and character in statement areas, travertine and marble are excellent — just plan to seal and care for them.
Do natural stones need sealing?
Yes. Marble and travertine should be sealed to resist stains and moisture, and re-sealed periodically. Porcelain does not need sealing.
See more guides or browse the full range.